Transparent answers about
your investment in care

While these companies may seem convenient, they are classified as technology companies — not healthcare companies. This distinction matters enormously for your privacy.

They are not beholden to the same strict data protections as a traditional group practice, and multiple platforms have been found to have sold or shared client data with their largest investors — the same insurance companies they contract with.

Additionally, these companies have been misclassifying their clinicians as 1099 independent contractors, which is a violation of California's AB 5. We believe clinicians deserve proper protections, and that translates directly to better, more stable care for you.

This is the question we get asked most. The honest answer involves the real economics and ethics of mental healthcare — and most providers don't talk about it openly. We do.

The financial reality: In-network providers are contracted to accept a 50%-70% reduction in fees. Average insurance reimbursement for a therapy hour runs around $88 in California. After overhead, the average take-home is roughly $30 per session.

The administrative burden: Since COVID-19, insurance companies changed policies without adequately notifying providers — resulting in incorrect payments, retroactive corrections, and demands to repay overpayments months later. We now spend 10+ extra unpaid hours per week on insurance administration.

Your privacy: When you use insurance, the insurer has the right to access your records upon request. We firmly believe medical decisions should remain between you and your provider — not a for-profit company.

Your care quality: Research shows that cash-pay practices deliver better outcomes. Seeing fewer clients means more attention and more tailored care for each person.

Many clients with insurance are eligible to be reimbursed a significant portion of our fee through out-of-network benefits. The exact amount depends entirely on your specific plan.

Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask the questions listed above. We provide detailed superbills through the Client Portal with all the billing codes your insurer needs to process your claim.

Keep in mind: couples/relationship work is coded Z63.0 and is typically not reimbursed, as insurers do not classify it as medically necessary.

A superbill is a detailed receipt containing all the information your insurance needs to process an out-of-network reimbursement claim — session dates, CPT billing codes, diagnosis codes, and provider credentials.

We make your superbill available through your Client Portal under Documents for Insurance Reimbursement. Download it and submit it directly to your insurer by mail, fax, or through their online portal.

Your insurer will assess your claim and, if your plan includes out-of-network benefits and your deductible has been met, reimburse you directly.